Police Remind Drivers About Emergency Vehicles, Laws

RIDGWAY – Police would like to remind the public of two specific vehicle code sections directing how they operate their vehicles upon observing an emergency vehicle with it’s lights activated. 

An emergency vehicle, as defined by the vehicle code, is in summation a vehicle used to respond to emergency calls and possesses at least one revolving or flashing red light and audible warning device.  When an emergency vehicle utilizes both red light(s) and audible warning device approaches a vehicle from any direction, it is the duty of the non-emergency vehicle to yield the right of way and immediately drive to a position parallel to, and as close as possible, to the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway clear of any intersection and stop and remain in that position until the emergency vehicle has passed unless directed otherwise by a police officer. 

It is also the duty of the driver of the non-emergency vehicle upon the approach of a stopped emergency vehicle utilizing only its lights or any other warning device (flares, signage, etc.) to pass in a lane not adjacent to that of the emergency vehicle.  If this pass is not legal or safe, the driver shall pass at a careful and prudent speed.

Violations of these duties, as outlined in Vehicle Code Sections 3325 and 3327, will result in substantial fines and/or suspension of the violator’s operating privilege for a period of 90 days.  Moreover, police request the public adhere to these duties for the safety of emergency responders and those they serve.

Details will be conducted to check for compliance with duties when approaching stopped emergency vehicles.